Topic 1: NATURAL

People who are enthusiastic about a sustainable lifestyle will love this natural look. This trend is characterized by natural materials such as undyed wool from the Tibetan highlands, hemp, bast and cactus yarn, as well as natural-looking finishes. The aesthetic language of nature is revealed in organic shapes, patterns and surfaces.

Emphasis is mainly placed on: authenticity - timelessness - harmony - handmade - comfort - simplicity - unpretentiousness - mixed materials

Topic 2: CLASSIC

Classic celebrates a timeless elegance that is both sensuous and cosily inviting. Classic patterns such as Vichy checks, herringbone and bolder checks are not only back in fashion - they are also showing up on our floors. To the classic colour palette of black, white, subdued greys and grey-blues, designers are now adding strong, vibrant colours such as red and neon yellow.

Keywords are: unique - personalized - sophisticated - elaborate - subtle - prestigious - precious - ornamental

Topic 3: FASHIONABLE

Strong colours such as pink, sulphur yellow, cobalt blue, grass green, turquoise, petrol blue and rust red, either plain or patterned, and often used in startling combinations, turn carpets and floor coverings into expressive and stylish focal points within a room. The playful treatment of pattern and colour can be seen across the spectrum - from carpets and rugs, fitted carpets and laminate floorings to resilient floor coverings.

Highlights are: glamorous - chic - expressive - stylish - dramatic - colourful - progressive - exciting

Everyone comes into contact with it, but most people pay only scant attention to it. We're talking about the floor - part of our everyday environment. We walk on it, build on it, live on it. But what will tomorrow's floors look like? At DOMOTEX 2012 - the world's leading trade fair for carpets and floor coverings - experts present their visions involving the future of floors. Trends consultant Gabriela Kaiser shows you the latest innovations in 2012.